About Saturna Island
Saturna Island is a gem among the Southern Gulf Islands. An island which still abounds in natural beauty, it has an area of 31 square kilometers (12 square miles) of which almost half (48%) is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The year-round population is a mere 300 inhabitants. Saturna is known for its spectacular onshore whale watching and Canada Day Lamb BBQ. There is lots to do on Saturna including:
- Onshore whale watching
- Disc golf at Thomson Park
- Enjoying the natural beauty
- Kayaking
- Cycling
- Walking the beaches
- Attending community events
- Walking/hiking the trails
Recreation & Shopping
Arts & Crafts
There are a number of artisans residing on the island who open their studios some of which are:
They are often at the Summer Saturday Market and other craft shows held throughout the year.
Campfires
Open fires are not permitted anywhere on Saturna Island during the summer months. A free permit is required at most other times. Fire permits are available at: Saturna General Store
Choir
Saturna has a community choir, Saturna Singers, which practices once a week September-April with a concert in April or May. They also perform at the Remembrance Day ceremonies, Christmas at the Rec Centre, and other events. All levels of singers are welcome!
Church
St. Christopher’s Anglican Church is located at 140 East Point Road. All are welcome. Anglican, Celtic services and meditation are available.
Fishing
A fishing license is required and there may be area restrictions. Check here for licensing requirements and restricted areas.
Fitness & Sports
There are regular fitness and yoga classes at the Community Hall and the Rec Centre:
- Fitness: Rec Centre
- Yoga: Community Hall
- Line Dancing: Community Hall
- Pickleball: Rec Centre and outdoor courts
- Yoga: Rec Centre
- Badminton: Rec Centre
- Stretch & Strength: Community Hall
- Bicycles are available from Saturna Cycle located next to the ferry terminal.
Please check the websites of these locations or the Saturna Scribbler for days and times.
Hunting
Hunting and the discharge of firearms is severely restricted – please check the current regulations at:
RCMP – Pender Island 1-250-629-6171
Library
Eddie Reid Memorial Library is located on the lower level of St. Christopher’s Church. Hours are: Saturday and Wednesday 10am-12pm.
Markets
The Saturday Summer Market is located in the parking lot of the General Store and runs from May-September. The market features a selection of local artisan products, books, and food.
Restaurants
There are three restaurants on Saturna. Their hours vary throughout the season, please check their Facebook pages for current opening times:
- The Lighthouse Pub
- The Saturna Café
- The Millhouse Restaurant at the Saturna Lodge (summer hours only)
- There is a coffee shop located in the Saturna Point building next to the ferry terminal that operates in the summer only: Beans & Co.
Shopping
There is one General Store on Saturna located at the Y intersection as you head up from the ferry. Hours vary a little from summer to winter but are basically 9am-5pm. The store carries a good selection of foodstuffs, fresh produce and hardware. They also sell liquor and tobacco products.
Essential Services
Banking
There are no banks on Saturna Island. Most retailers accept major credit cards and debit cards, but please check with your accommodation when making your reservation.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are available at:
- Saturna Point Building (next to the ferry dock)
- Lighthouse Pub
Doctor
There is no full-time doctor on Saturna Island but there is a medical clinic that is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a doctor and a nurse practitioner. If you need medical care sooner than the next ferry sailing, dial 911 Emergency Services.
In the event of a Medical, Fire or Police emergency, dial 911
Emergency Services
Saturna has a volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Service (Ambulance).
Food Programs
- Food Bag Program – Wednesdays during Recycling hours: 10am-12pm across from Recycling in the Little White House
- Soup for Seniors – Alternating Thursdays at the Community Hall. Only during the winter months.
Fuel Services
Automobile and Marine available at:
Propane available at:
Internet Access
Free wireless access is available at:
- Saturna Point Building
- Saturna Lighthouse Pub
- Saturna Cafe
- Saturna Recreation and Cultural Centre
- Saturna Community Hall
Computers with internet access are available at:
Pharmacy
There are no pharmacies or drug stores on Saturna. Please bring your medications with you.
Public washrooms
Public washrooms are available at:
- BC Ferries terminal
- BC The Café at the General Store
Pit toilets (outhouses) are available at:
- Thomson Regional Park
- Winter Cove
- Russell Reef
- East Point
- Narvaez Bay Campground
Recycling
The Recycling Centre is located across from the General Store and is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays 10am-12pm with extended hours in the summer. They accept many items – before you throw it out, check with the helpful and friendly volunteers to see if it may be recycled. The Free Store is in the same space and has the same hours. Donate your treasures there or pick up something for yourself!
Schools
Transportation
There are no taxicabs on Saturna but there are marked car stops around the island where a friendly islander will give you a lift to where you are going.
BC Ferries operates a scheduled service to Saturna Island from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island). Vehicle and walk-on reservations are recommended between Tsawwassen and Saturna. Visit www.bcferries.com or 1-888-223-3779
There is chartered and float plane service:
- Harbour Air (Vancouver) 1-800-665-0212
- Seair (Richmond) 1-800-447-3247
- Salt Spring Air 1-877-537-9880
- Kenmore Air (Seattle; Victoria/Gulf Islands) 1-866-453-9524
There is Inter-island Water Travel:
- Gulf Island Water Taxi (Salt Spring Island) 1-250-537-2510
- Island Water Taxi (Sidney, Vancouver Island) 1-250-656-4826
- Mayne Island Tours & Charter 1-250-222-8747
- Mayne Inter-Island Sea Tour 1-250-539-5393
- Salish Sea Explorer (Saturna) 1-800-909-4233
Boats may tie up at the government dock or anchor out. There is a day use dingy dock at Lyall Harbour and Winter Cover.